Lake of the Ozarks Boosts the largest State Park in Missouri, at over 17,000 acres, and located just minutes from Osage Beach and the East side of the Lake, Lake of the Ozarks State Park encompasses the majority of the Grand Glaize Arm, and has attractions befitting a Park of this stature. In addition to boat ramps, beaches, and other marine activities, the Park also features many land based activities throughout the park, which is open year round. Backpackers and hikers have access to over 50 miles of trails in the Park, many of which are open to bicycles and horseback riding as well, winding through lush woodlands, open glades, clear streams, and leading to breathtaking mountain top views in some cases. Rappelling and Rock Climbing is available by permit, and the Ozark Caverns are also located within the park, with tours of the Caverns, a museum, and trails that begin and end at the Caverns, all available at the Visitor's Center, in addition to any information you may need to enhance your appreciation of nature at Lake of the Ozarks State Park.
On the southside of the Lake, and just 3 miles from Camdenton, is Ha Ha Tonka state park, which is smaller than LOTO SP, at 3700 acres, yet is packed with unique features and cultural history that attracts over half a million visitors a year, even though it never seems crowded. Over 30 miles of trails meander through an amazing environment of sinkholes, caves, springs, Karst formations, and natural bridges, all amidst the abundant woodlands and grassy meadows common around Lake of the Ozarks. The historic Snyder family house, one of the first vacation homes in the area even before the dam was built, was located here, and the 'Castle Ruins', can still be visited today and are popular attraction to explore. Residential properties also border the Park, if living in this environment is preferable, and as the Park borders the Lake, waterfront homes are conveniently situated here as well, providing the best of both worlds.
An assortment of other protected lands and city parks are scattered around the Lake region, from the Camdenton Towersite State Wildlife Management Area, with an 80 foot tower that visitors can walk to the top of, to the Osage Beach Park featuring ball fields for local leagues, a playground, events, and Lakefront access with picnic benches along the trails and shoreline. With Lake of the Ozarks located in such a picturesque environment, cities and counties also participate in preserving and protecting the natural beauty that surrounds the Lake, to be enjoyed for generations to come.
Caves and Caverns are also a unique feature in the Ozarks Plateau, and the Lake area has no less than 8 different caves both on and off the water, and all open to the public, either by guided tour or to explore at your own pace. The fascinating Bridal Cave is one such marvel, located on the west side of Camdenton, just minutes from highway 5, and at MM10 of the Niangua Arm, with their own courtesy dock, making an an adventure easily accessible. The cave has been famous since the 1850s because of it's formations and colors, and became protected in 1948 when it officially opened for tours, and although the cave is over a mile long, only a portion is open to the public because of lakes in the back sections. Several 'rooms' are part of the tour, including the famous "Bridal Chapel", where over 3500 private weddings have taken place, and is so named because of a legendary Native American wedding that took place here, as well as the natural features that resemble a bridal veil. The facilities also include nature trails, picnic areas, and observation tower, as well as a distinctive rock and mineral shop, all contributing to the popularity of the Bridal Caves and ranking it as one of the most scenic caves in the country.
Additional caves of note in the area include Stark Caverns, north of the Dam on highway 54, and featuring the only escape room in a cave, as well as Jacob's Cave north on highway 5, the Lake area's largest cave, which is completely accessible by wheelchair or stroller, that are provided on site if needed. There are also caves in both the Lake of the Ozarks State Park, as well as Ha Ha Tonka State park, and, all the way at the end of the Niangua Arm, at MM16.5, is Onyx Cave, which can only be reached by kayak, canoe, or other shallow water paddled craft in order to enter it. Caves and caverns are regularly encountered in the Lake area, and can even be obtainable on private lands, and one Lake Front restaurant has built a swimming pool that goes right inside a cave, as well as including picnic benches and volleyball within, unsurprising named The Cave Bar and Grill.
